Cozy Chicken Mushroom Leek Soup Recipe for Rainy Day Comfort

Blending hearty chicken mushroom leek soup creates a comforting embrace of warmth and flavor that instantly soothes your soul.

Rustic ingredients dance together in a harmonious melody of earthy and rich notes.

Home kitchens come alive with the gentle simmering of this classic comfort dish.

Robust mushrooms add depth while tender chicken pieces provide satisfying protein.

Delicate leeks weave a subtle sweetness throughout the broth, creating complex layers of taste.

Each spoonful promises a journey through textures and temperatures that feel like a culinary hug.

You’ll want to ladle this soup into your favorite bowl and savor every single bite.

Why This Chicken Mushroom Leek Soup Feels Like A Hug

• Craft Comfort in a Bowl: A hearty soup that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal experience.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delightful soup with minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Adaptable recipe that works brilliantly for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy solo nights.
• Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Loaded with protein-rich chicken, vitamin-packed vegetables, and creamy texture that nourishes body and soul.

Ingredients For Chicken Mushroom Leek Soup

• Chicken Breast, Chicken Thighs: Premium cuts of poultry that provide rich, tender meat for the soup's main protein.

• Leeks, Carrots, Celery, Mushrooms: Fresh vegetables that create a deep, layered flavor profile and add nutritional complexity to the soup.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste and provides a robust aromatic base.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the soup's fundamental liquid base and adds depth.
• Heavy Cream: Introduces a luxurious, smooth texture and richness to the soup.
• Dried Thyme, Bay Leaves: Herbs that contribute subtle, earthy undertones and enhance the soup's overall flavor complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's taste profile.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a smooth cooking foundation.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean finish to the soup.

How To Make Chicken Mushroom Leek Soup Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Vegetables

Wash leeks, mushrooms, carrots, and celery under cool running water. Chop each vegetable into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking and beautiful presentation.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Generously season chicken breast and thighs with salt and black pepper, covering all surfaces for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through. This process takes about 6-8 minutes per side, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Slice Chicken

Remove chicken from the pot and let it rest briefly. Then slice the chicken into tender, appetizing strips.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, releasing its delightful aroma (about 30 seconds).

Step 6: Cook Vegetables

• Leeks
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Add Mushrooms

Incorporate sliced mushrooms, continuing to cook until they release moisture and develop a rich, caramelized appearance.

Step 8: Create Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot. Add dried thyme and bay leaves to infuse deep, comforting flavors.

Step 9: Simmer

Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to blend and develop a rich taste. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 10: Finish Soup

• Heavy cream
• Sliced chicken

Warm thoroughly without bringing to a boil, preserving the soup’s delicate texture.

Step 11: Final Touch

Remove bay leaves to ensure a smooth eating experience.

Step 12: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve piping hot in deep bowls, inviting everyone to enjoy this comforting meal.

Helpful Tips For Creamy Chicken Mushroom Leek Soup

• Clean Leeks Carefully: Thoroughly rinse leeks under running water, separating layers to remove trapped dirt and sand, ensuring a grit-free soup experience.
• Choose Fresh Mushrooms: Select firm, unblemished mushrooms with smooth caps to guarantee maximum flavor and prevent watery texture in the soup.
• Control Cream Temperature: Add heavy cream at low heat to prevent curdling, stirring gently to maintain a smooth, silky consistency throughout the dish.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Sear chicken first to develop deep golden-brown caramelization, then use the same pot to build rich, interconnected flavor profiles for the soup.
• Adjust Seasoning Subtly: Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually, remembering that chicken broth already contains sodium, to prevent over-salting the final dish.

Tasty Twists On Chicken Mushroom Leek Soup

• Rustic Mediterranean Chicken Soup: Replace thyme with oregano and rosemary, add diced tomatoes, and incorporate feta cheese crumbles for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Asian Fusion Soup: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk, add ginger, lemongrass, and red chili flakes for a vibrant Southeast Asian profile.
• Hearty Autumn Harvest Soup: Introduce roasted butternut squash, sage leaves, and a sprinkle of nutmeg to create a seasonal, warming variation with deeper earthy notes.
• Protein-Packed Quinoa Boost: Mix cooked quinoa into the soup for added protein and nutty flavor, transforming the dish into a more substantial meal with increased nutritional value.

Best Pairings For Chicken Mushroom Leek Soup

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Crusty Artisan Bread Pairing
• Slice rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the soup's creamy broth, enhancing each spoonful with delightful texture and complementary earthy notes.
• Wine Companion: Crisp Chardonnay Selection
• Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak undertones to match the soup's rich, creamy profile and highlight the delicate chicken and mushroom flavors.
• Herbal Side Salad: Fresh Contrast
• Prepare a light green salad with mixed arugula, thinly sliced radishes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide refreshing palate balance.

How To Store Chicken Mushroom Leek Soup With Care

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Cool the soup completely before pouring into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for 2-3 months. Pro tip: Leave a small space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing.

Chicken Mushroom Leek Soup FAQs For Beginners

• What type of mushrooms work best in this soup?

Cremini, shiitake, or white button mushrooms are excellent choices. They provide rich flavor and hearty texture that complement the chicken perfectly.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. The recipe naturally contains no wheat-based ingredients.

• How can I boost protein content in the soup?

Add extra chicken, include diced cooked quinoa, or stir in some white beans. These options increase protein without changing the soup’s core flavor profile.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely. The recipe includes lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich vegetables like leeks and carrots, and provides essential nutrients through a blend of fresh ingredients and hearty broth.

Chicken Mushroom Leek Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Heartwarming chicken mushroom leek soup delivers comfort in a single spoonful, combining earthy mushrooms with tender chicken and delicate leeks. Creamy broth and aromatic herbs promise a nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 0.5 lbs chicken thighs

Vegetables:

• 2 large leeks
• 1 lb mushrooms
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse leeks, mushrooms, carrots, and celery under cool running water, then meticulously chop into uniform bite-sized pieces.
2. Season chicken breast and thighs with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, carefully sear chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
4. Remove chicken from pot, let rest briefly, then slice into delicate strips.
5. In the same pot, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Add chopped leeks, carrots, and celery, cooking until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, roughly 5-7 minutes.
7. Incorporate sliced mushrooms, continuing to cook until they release their moisture and develop a rich, caramelized appearance.
8. Pour chicken broth into the pot, introducing dried thyme and bay leaves.
9. Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld together for 15-20 minutes.
10. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and sliced chicken, warming thoroughly without boiling.
11. Remove bay leaves before serving.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Select leeks with firm, bright green tops and white bases for the freshest flavor and optimal texture in the soup.
• Clean leeks meticulously by slicing lengthwise and rinsing under running water to remove trapped soil between layers.
• Consider using a mix of mushroom varieties like shiitake and cremini to enhance depth and complexity of the soup’s umami profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 389
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 109 mg